Archives

CHILE

Welcome to Chile, a beautifully mountainous country and one of the most prosperous nations in South America.

Chile’s natural geography is breathtaking in its diversity, boasting volcanoes, lakes, islands, forests, canals and lush valleys. While most of the country experiences four distinct seasons, Chile is home to seven different climate types.

Chile is a constitutional republic, led by a president and congress.

Spanish is the official language in Chile, though it is spoken with a distinctive accent and rhythm all its own. Because of the sprawling, vertical nature of the country, cultural traditions and observances vary widely between its different regions.

BRAZIL

Welcome to Brazil, the largest country in South America and home to beautifully diverse regions and hip-swaying dances.

The North is famous for the Amazon Rainforest, while the Southeast is dry and cool. The majority of Brazil’s 199 million people live in the Southeast in the bustling cities of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. The South and Midwest are temperate and filled with sprawling farms and cattle-ranches.

Brazil is a federative republic with an elected executive and legislative branch. They use the “real” as their official currency and have the world’s seventh largest economy.

Portuguese is the official language in Brazil, and is widely spoken there.

BELGIUM

Welcome to Belgium, a small, multicultural country nestled in the heart of Western Europe. 

Belgium is made up of three distinct regions, each with its own language and culture. Its capital city, Brussels, is the host for both NATO and the European Union, giving this country of only eleven million people (and covering about the same area as Maryland) a special spot in the international spotlight.

Belgium is recognized for its historical artistry and innovation, today manifesting in its world-famous chocolate and lace making. Flemish, Dutch, French and German are all spoken in Belgium, and it is common for people to learn and speak English.

Belgium is a constitutional monarchy with both a monarch and prime minister. Its official currency is the Euro, adopted in 2002. 

ITALY

Welcome to Italy, home to gorgeous Mediterranean views, world-famous food, and artistic masterpieces both large and small.

Italy has been dubbed the world’s ‘living art gallery,’ covered in ornate marble floors, Roman ruins, Byzantine mosaics, baroque tombs, and Greek temples. Vineyards pepper the Italian countryside and the words of Ovid and Virgil seem to echo throughout its cities.

Italy is a republic led by a prime minister and a president, centered in Rome. Italian, in various beautiful dialects, is the official language and spoken throughout the country.

GERMANY

Welcome to Germany, a neighbor to nine bordering countries and the land of beer, bratwurst and history. Germany has a long and complex political history, and locals have struggled to put the events of the WWII period them. Many Germans are reluctant to express any national pride even today, but the country is full of cultural richness. The country  is famous for the Black Forest, cuckoo clocks, chocolate, cars (Mercedes, BMW, Volkswagen), wienerschnitzel, sauerbraten, sauerkraut, beer, wine, and schnapps. Germany is a democracy. There is a president, but his role is more or less ceremonial. The true head of government is the chancellor. The official language is German, though English is widely taught and often spoken as a second language.

ECUADOR

Welcome to Ecuador, a tropical, marimba-filled gem in South America. 

With a mix of Incan, African and Spanish influences, it has a rich variety of cultural features. Music has always been a large part of life, now shown in its many dance festivals and marimba music. Colorful weaving and woodcarvings show off the vibrant artistic flavor of the country. 

Ecuador is a democratic republic, with an elected president every four years. Spanish is widely spoken, though it has a pattern all its own, and many native dialects from American Indians, such as Kichwa and Awapit are also used by many.